Earlier this week it was announced that NHS dentistry fees in England would rise by 8.5 per cent from April 24. A band one treatment, such as a check-up, will increase from £23.80 to £25.80 and a band two, which includes fillings and tooth extractions, will increase from £65.20 to £70.70. Costs for dentures and crowns under band three treatments are set to rise from £282.80 to £306.80.
The announcement comes after a YouGov poll revealed that some people are extracting their own teeth and attempting DIY root canal treatment to avoid dental costs. Some 22 per cent are currently not on the books of a dental practice with the majority of those unable to access, or afford, treatment.
However, good dental health is essential. Not only is a smile one of the first things we notice about someone (a third of Britons wouldn’t date someone with bad teeth), but poor oral hygiene also contributes to certain health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, pneumonia and pregnancy complications.
As with many things, prevention is key. Here are 20 dentist-backed tips to keep your teeth in top shape.
Many of us were brought up being told to clean our teeth after breakfast, but Dr Sulaman Anwar, a specialist periodontist, says advice has since changed.
“I often get asked this question by patients,” adds Dr Anwar. “We now believe it’s best to brush first thing, before breakfast. Even though we clean our teeth at night, while we sleep we produce very little saliva (which has antibacterial properties) so bacteria and plaque builds up every night. If we don’t clean this away before eating, we are essentially feeding the bacteria.”
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